Buckle



P. W. WHITE Jul 14, 1942.

BUCKLE Filed Aug. 27, 1941 Patented July 14, 1942 BUCKLE Paul W. White,Waterbury, Conn., assignor to Parva Products Company, Chicago, 111., acorporation of Delaware Application August 2'7, 1941, Serial No. 408,420

7 Claims.

This invention relates to buckles or like fasteners, more particularlyto buckles or fastening devices adapted to be adjustably associated withstraps or bands for the support of garments or similar articles on theperson, and the invention has for an object the provision of an improvedbuckle which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, is durable andsimple in construction, and which may readily b threaded andmanipulated.

While buckles or the like embodying this invention are adaptable for usewith various types of objects, particularly on the person, andmay beemployed, with slight variations not departing from the spirit of thinvention, universally where detachable connections are desired, thebuckle is particularly intended for use and will be described inassociation with the adjusting strap on a vest or similar garment.Garments such as vests are ordinarily provided with a twopiece adjustingstrap extending across the'back thereof and secured to the outerportions or side seams of the vest, the inner ends of the twopiece strapbeing adjustably connected by a buckle. Inasmuch as adjustment of thebuckle, so as to increase or decrease the length of the adjusting strap,is many times made with the vest on the body of the wearer so that thebuckle cannot be observed during the adjusting operation, it isimportant that the buckle be capable of easy adjustment without thenecessity of complicated manipulation. At the same time, it is equallyimportant that the buckle, when adjusted to provide the desired lengthof the adjusting strap, will not thereafter slip but will tightly holdthe strap in its adjusted position.

In order to avoid discomfort to the wearer of th garment, vest bucklesmust be of relatively small size and of light construction and yet mustbe capable of withstanding relatively heavy tensions on the adjustingstrap. While in ordinary usage vest buckles are not subjected to greattension, these buckles, due to their inaccessibility for observationduring the adjustment thereof, may at times be subjected to exceedinglyheavy stresses caused by the wearer of the garment mistakenly exerting aforce on th strap which tends to increase the gripping action of thebuckle when actually the wearer intends merely to adjust the buckle.

Accordingly, it is a further object of this invention to provide abuckle for vests or the like comprising a pair of slidably engagedframes formed of relatively light gauge sheet metal in which the strapmay be conveniently threaded and readily adjusted without complicatedmanipulation, and which positively holds the strap in adjusted positionswithout slippage even though subjected to excessive tension on thetherefrom, while the other of the frames includes an end cross bar forattachment to one portion of the adjusting strap, this attaching crossbar being adapted to underlie the end bar of the first frame when theframes are in position to be threaded by the other portion of theadjusting strap. In addition, the latter frame includes a second crossbar inclined with respect to the plane of the fram which is adapted tounderlie the raised cross bar when the frames are in threading position,and which co-operates with the end cross bar on the first frame to clampthe strap in adjusted positions upon tensioning of the strap.Preferably, the attaching cross bar on the latter of the two frames isdepressed from the plane of the frame to provide, between it and theoverlying end bar on the first frame, a space which permits attachmentof the strap to the attaching bar without causing binding between theframe when in the threading position.

The inclined cross bar is preferably provided at its upper edge with anupturned portion extending substantially entirely thereacross, whichco-operates with a downturned portion extending substantially entirelyacross the raised cross bar on the other frame to prevent relativemovement of the frames in one direction beyond a desired position, andwhich co-operates with an edge of the end cross bar against which thestrap is clamped to provide an abutting engagement which positivelylimits relative movement of the frames in the opposite direction evenunder excess conditions of tension.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference shouldnow be had to the drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a buckle embodying the present invention,showing the slidable frames in threading position before attachment ofthe buckle to a strap or similar article;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Fi l;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the buckle of Fig. 1, with the strap attachedthereto and threaded through the buckle;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of Fig. 3, showingthe position Of the parts after threading of the strap but beforetension is a lied thereto;

l ig. 5 is a sectional View similar to Frg, 4 but showing the parts inclamping relation with tension a lied to the strap;

Fig f i is a sectional view similar to Figs. 4 and 5 but showing therelationship of the parts under conditions of excessive tension; and

Figs. '7 and 8 are perspective views of the two slidable frames whichform the buckle illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive.

Referring now to the drawing, the invention is shown as embodied in avest buckle comprising a pair of slidable frames l and II disposed inface-to-face relation and formed ofrelatively thin sheet metal which maybe on the order of .023 of an inch or less in thickness. The frame |0comprises spaced side bars |2 and I3 connected together by end crossbars l4 and I5 and by a center cross bar It which is centrally deformedupwardly so as to be raised above the plane of the side and end bars.Preferably, the side bars l2 and I3 and the end bars i4 and I5 areembossed, as shown, to provide a substantially arcuate cross section inorder to increase the resistance to bending exhibited by the frame Itand the center bar It is provided with a downturned portion II whichextends substantially across the entire raised portion thereof for apurpose which will be more fully set forth hereinafter. The frame It]may readily be struck from a blank of suitable sheet material by asingle stamping operation.

The frame II, which may similarly be formed by a single stampingoperation, includes side bars l8 and I9 connected together by cross barsand 2|, the bars l8, I9, and 20 being embossed, as shown, and the crossbar 2.|.being, turned out of the plane of the frame over the majorportion of its length to. provide a clampin v Surface in the form of aninclined plane. As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, inclusive, the bar 20, on theframe I forms the attaching bar for the buckle and may be encircled byaportion 22 of the vest strap to which the buckle is applied, the strapbeing sewed or otherwise secured about the attaching bar. In orderproperly to hold the frames in slidable engagement for substantiallyparallel movement relative to each other, the frame H is provided withsubstantially channel-shaped ears 23 which, when the frames I0 and H areassembled, partially encircle the side bars of the frame In.

It will be apparent that the frame II] is so formed as to provide a pairof slots 25 and 26 through which a strap may readily be threaded, andthat the frame provides a single slot 21 through which the strap maylikewise be threaded. When the frames l0 and I I are in the threadingposition shown in Figs. 1 to 4-, inclusive, the attaching cross bar 20of the frame underlies the end cross bar [4 of the frame It], and theinclined bar 2| of the frame underlies the raised center cross bar I6 ofthe frame |ll so that the slots 25 and 21 coincide and the slot 26 isunobstructed by any part of the frame Accordingly, portion 24 of thevest strap may be threaded through the buckle by passing the end thereofupwardly through the slot 26over the top of the raised center bar l6 anddownwardly through the coincident slots 25 and 26, so that the free endof the strap portion 24 underlies the other portion 22 of the strap.

Upon the application of tension to the strap portions 22 and 24, theslidable frames l0 and II will be caused to move from the relativethreading position, shown in Fig. 4, to the clamping position shown inFig. 5 wherein the strap portion 24 is clamped between one edge of thecross bar l4 on the frame I!) and the inclined plane portion of thecross bar 2| on the frame I Thus a wedging gripping action is exertedwhich prevents slipping of the strap relative to the buckle,

- and it. will be apparent that the gripping force exerted on the strapwill increase in proportion to the pull or tension applied to the strap.Movement, of the frames ID and H to the clamping position shown in Fig.5 when tension is applied to the strap portions 22 and 24, as indicatedby the arrows in Fig. 5, is caused by the fact that the strap portion 22is directly secured to the slide H and tends to move it in a right-handdirection, as viewed in Figs. 4 and 5, while the frame I0 is urged in aleft-hand direction due to the fact that the strap 24 is threaded overand around the raised enter bar I6 thereof, the bars l5 and I6 acting aspull-up bars.

As heretofore indicated, the frames l9 and H are formed of relativelythin metal and accordingly, upon exertion of excessive tension on thestrap portions 22 and 24, there will be a tendency for the inclinedplane portion of the cross bar 2| to give or yield, and in the absenceof special provisions for preventing such unsatisfactory operation thebar 2| might be deformed sufficiently to permit the frame II to pullthrough beneath the cross bar l4, whereupon the frames would separateand the buckle would be rendered unfit for further use.

In order to prevent such pull-through of the frame under conditions ofexcessive tension, the inclined portion of the cross bar 2| is providedwith an upturned portion 28 which is substantially vertical and whichextends across a major portion of the rear edge of the bar 2|. As shownin Fig. 6, this upturned portion 28 is so disposed as to be in directalignment with therear edge of the cross bar l4, so that excessivetension on the strap portions 22 and 24 will cause. the

frame II to move tothe position shown in Fig. 6 wherein the strapportion 24 is abuttingly engaged on opposite sides by the rear edge ofthe cross bar l4 and the upturned portion 28, respectively. Suchabutting engagement of course positively prevents pull-through of theframe even though considerabl larger tensions than are normallyencountered: are exerted on the strap portions 22 and 24.,

This upturned portion 28 is also disposed so as abuttingly to engage thedownturned portion. IT on the raised cross bar- I6 of the frame, and itwill be observed that this cooperating; relation positively limitsrearward movement of the frame relative to the frame In so as to preventthe frames from moving beyond the threading position illustrated inFigs. 1 to 4, inclusive. In this threaded'position the cross bar 20 ofthe frame It directly underlies the cross bar M of the frame I U asheretofore pointed out, and as shown best in Figs. 2, 4, and 8, the sidebars l8 and IQ of the frame H are deformed so as to extend angularlydownward from the plane of the buckle in order to space the attachingcross bar 20. from the overlying cross bar M. This spacing, of the twobars prevents the strap 22, when sewed or otherwise secured about thebar 20, from causing binding between the frames when the frames aremoved to the threading position. If the cross bar 20 were disposedclosely adjacent the cross bar hi with the frames in threading position,the portion 22 of the strap which encircles the bar 20 would be pinchedbetween the bars 14 and 20 so as to cause binding, and adjustment of thestrap would thereby be rendered difficult.

Adjustment of the strap portion 24 relative to the buckle may be readilyand easily accomplished simply by grasping the frame 10 between twofingers of the wearer, so that the frames are retained in the threadingposition, and then exerting a slight pull in one direction or the otherupon the strap portion 24 so -as to move the strap through the slots ofthe buckle to the desired adjusted position.

Buckles embodying the present invention may be made from relatively thinsheet metal by simple stamping operations, they provide a com pactconstruction having an attractive appearance which will not causediscomfort to the wearer of the garment and, while readily adjustablewithout complicated manipulation of the parts, they will effect a firmand positive gripping action on the strap when tension is appliedthereto. No binding action between the slidable parts of the buckle ispossible even though the compact construction of the buckle requiresthat the attaching bar directly underlies one of the bars of the otherframe, and by reason of the upturned portion on the inclined bar of oneof the frames and its relation to portions of the other frame, theslidable frames are positively limited to the desired degree of relativemovement in either direction even though excessive tension is applied tothe buckle.

While a particular embodiment of this inven- 'tion has been shown, itwill be understood, of

course, that the invention is not to be limited thereto since manymodifications may be made, and it is therefore contemplated by theappended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is:

1. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames infaoe-to-face relation each having side bars and cross bars connectingsaid side bars defining at least one slot for receiving a strap threadedtherethrough, one of said frames having a cross bar raised out of theplane of the frame and a strap-engaging end bar spaced therefrom, theother of said frames having a first cross bar for attachment to a strapor like article adapted to underlie said end bar when said frames are inthreading position and a second cross bar having an inclinedstrap-engaging portion adapted to underlie said raised cross bar whensaid frames are in threading position for co-operating with said endcross bar to clamp said strap in adusted positions therebetween upontensioning of said strap, said first cross bar being depressed from theplane of said other frame to provide a space between said end bar andsaid underlying first .bar to permit said attachment of said strap tosaid first bar without causing binding between said frames in saidthreading position.

2,. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames inface-to-face relation each having side bars and cross bars connectingsaid side bars defining at least one slot for receiving a strap threadedtherethrough, one 'of said frames having a cross barraised out of theplane of the frame and a strap-engaging end bar spaced therefrom, theother of said frames having a first cross bar for attachment to a strapor like article adapted to underlie said end bar when said frames are inthreading position and a second cross bar having an inclinedstrap-engaging portion adapted to underlie said raised cross bar whensaid frames are in threading position for co-operating with said endcross bar to clamp said strap in adjusted positions therebetween upontensioning of said strap, the side bars connecting said first and secondcross bars extending at an angle to the plane of said other frame forspacing said first cross bar from said end bar which it underlies topermit said attachment of said strap to said first cross bar withoutcausing binding between said frames in said threading position.

3. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames inface-to-face relation each having side bars and cross bars connectingsaid side bars defining at least one slot for receiving a strap threadedtherethrough, one of said frames having a cross bar raised out of theplane of the frame and a strap-engaging end bar spaced therefrom, theother of said frames having a first cross bar for attachment to a strapor like article adapted to underlie said end bar when said frames are inthreading position and a second cross bar having an inclinedstrapengaging portion adapted to underlie said raised cross bar whensaid frames are in threading position for co-operating with said endcross bar to clamp said strap in adjusted positions therebetween upontensioning of said strap, said inclined strap-engaging portion having anupturned portion extending across substantially the entire rear edgethereof for abuttingly engaging said strap between said upturned portionand an edge of said end cross bar positively to limit the forwardmovement of said other frame under tension, and said raised cross barhaving a downturned portion extending across substantially the entirerear edge thereof co-operating with said upturned portion to limitrearward movement of said other frame.

4. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames inface-to-face relation each having side bars and cross bars connectingsaid side bars defining at least one slot for receiving a strap threadedtherethrough, one of said frames having a cross bar raised out of theplane of the frame and a strap-engaging end bar spaced therefrom, theother of said frames having a first cross bar for attachment to a strapor like article adapted to underlie said end bar when said frames are inthreading position and a second cross bar having an inclinedstrapengaging portion adapted to underlie said raised cross bar whensaid frames are in threading position for co-operating with said endcross bar to clamp said strap in adjusted positions therebetween upontensioning of said strap, said inclined strap-engaging portion having anupturned edge portion extending across the major portion of the rearedge thereof for abuttingly engaging portions of said raised cross barand said end cross bar respectively to limit the forward and rearwardmovement of said other frame relative to said one frame.

5. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames inface-to-face relation each having side bars and cross bars connectingsaid side bars defining at least one slot for receiving a strap threadedtherethrough, one of said frames having a cross bar raised out of theplane of the frame and a strap-engaging end bar spaced therefrom, theother of said frames having a first cross bar for attachment to a strapor like article adapted to underlie said end bar when said frames are inthreading position and a second cross bar having an inclinedstrap-engaging portion adapted to underlie said raised cross bar whensaid frames are in threading position for co-operating with said endcross bar to clamp said strap in adjusted positions therebetween upontensioning of said strap, said first cross bar being depressed from theplane of said other frame to provide a space between said end bar andsaid underlying first bar to permit said attachment of said strap tosaid first bar without causing binding between said frames in saidthreading position, said inclined strap-engaging 1 portion having anupturned edge portion extending across the major portion of the rearedge thereof for abuttingly engaging portions of said raised cross barand said end cross bar respectively to limit the forward and rearwardmovement of said other frame relative to said one frame.

A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames formed ofthin sheet metal each having side bars and cross bars connecting said iadjusted positions therebetween upon tensioning of said strap, saidinclined cross bar having a portion extending upwardly from the upperedge thereof for abuttingly clamping said strap against an edge of saidend cross bar positively to prevent pull-through of said other frameunder tension, and said raised cross bar having a downturned portionextending across the major portion of the rear edge thereof co-operatingwith said upwardly extending portion to limit rearward movement of saidother frame.

7. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames formed ofthin sheet metal each having side bars and cross bars connecting saidside bars defining at least one slot for receiving a strap threadedtherethrough, one of said frames having the side bars and an end crossbar thereof embossed to strengthen said frame and having another crossbar raised out of the plane of said embossed bars, the other of saidframes having the side bars and a first cross bar thereof embossed forstrengthening said frame and having a second cross bar inclined withrespect to the plane of said embossed bars for co-operation with saidend cross bar to clamp the strap in adjusted positions therebetween upontensioning of said strap, co-operating substantially channelshaped meanson said frames for guiding said frames for substantially parallelrelative movement upon tensioning of said strap, said first cross barand said end cross bar being in overlying relation and the side bars ofsaid other frame extending angularly downward from the plane of said oneframe for spacing said first cross bar from said overlying end cross barwhen said frames are in threading position, whereby a strap or otherarticle encircling said first cross bar for attachment to said buckledoes not cause binding between said frames in said threading position,

PAUL W. WHITE.

